By Esther Ososanya
The Federal Capital Territory is witnessing a growing backlash over the rising number of posters and billboards bearing the image of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The displays, many of them positioned on pedestrian bridges, highway medians, roundabouts, and government buildings, have sparked sharp criticism from residents, who describe them as a “needless show of political vanity”.
Abdusalam Suleiman, a long-time Abuja resident and commercial transporter, voiced his disapproval in a conversation with Pinnacle Daily, insisting that while Wike’s projects are commendable, the poster blitz is unnecessary.
“Wike is working, no doubt. He’s doing far better than some who came before him,” Suleiman said. “But this poster business all over Abuja is wasteful. He’s not contesting for any office. So why flood the city with his face?”
Suleiman acknowledged the infrastructural strides made under Wike’s leadership but questioned the intention behind the media spectacle.
“We saw people like Bala Mohammed and others come and go. What did they really do for Abuja? But now that we have someone who’s actually working, he should let the work speak for him, not posters,” he added.
He further stressed that effective leadership is best measured by results, not optics. “It’s one thing to work and another to do it with modesty,” he said.
Who Is Behind the Posters?
The identity of those behind the flood of posters remains unclear. Many observers speculate that they are sponsored by political loyalists, private contractors, or internal allies hoping to boost Wike’s national image.
So far, no official government statement has claimed responsibility for the campaign.
“No funds were officially approved for such posters. If they’re out there, it’s likely the work of supporters or affiliated groups acting on their own.”
However, the scale, design, and placement of the posters, some of which include bold captions like “Thank You” and “Mr Project”, suggest an orchestrated publicity campaign rather than spontaneous public support.
Public Support or Strategic Branding?
While some see the posters as expressions of gratitude, others interpret them as a veiled political branding strategy, especially as the country inches toward another election cycle.
“This is not Rivers State or a campaign ground,” Suleiman said firmly. “Abuja is the federal capital. It should reflect maturity and discipline in public leadership. This poster parade is uncalled for.”
He further urged those behind the campaign to redirect their efforts.
“If these people truly appreciate Wike’s work, they should channel that energy and money to areas in Abuja that actually need attention, like fixing bad roads, supporting schools, or helping the urban poor,” adding that “Posters won’t build anything.
READ ALSO: Wike: Nigerians No Longer Fooled by Ex-Leaders
Nigerian lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi also condemned the poster campaign. In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter), he described Wike as the “poster boy of the Nigerian ruining class”. Farotimi accused the minister of being narcissistic and parasitic, stating that he represents everything wrong with Nigeria’s political elite.
From Rivers to Abuja: A Controversial Rise
Wike, a two-term former governor of Rivers State and prominent figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was appointed Minister of the FCT by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023.
Since then, he has initiated major urban reforms, including road expansion, slum clearance, and the demolition of illegal structures, earning both praise and controversy.
Supporters argue that his performance in just one year has surpassed those of some of his predecessors.
But critics insist that meaningful leadership should not be overshadowed by unnecessary publicity.
As the posters continue to multiply across the city, many residents are urging the minister to let his performance speak for itself and to maintain focus on the challenges facing the capital.
“Let him finish the job. Abuja residents are watching. We don’t need billboards to remind us,” Suleiman added.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
